The leeward shore of Isla Cozumel, Mexico, supports small fringing reefs, linear patch reefs, and rich shelf-edge reefs, These reefs are found primarily on sloping areas of the sand-covered shelf off the western shore of Cozumel. Although found on a leeward shore, the shelf-edge reefs
have an irregular, high-relief spur and groove system. Thirty eight species and 13 forms of stony corals were found, with a species diversity and coral cover greater than on the Yucatan coast. Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis were less common than on most other Caribbean reefs,
corresponding to the lack of a rich shallow forereef zone.

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Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: 1988-01-01

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The Bulletin of Marine Science is dedicated to the dissemination of high quality research from the world's oceans. All aspects of marine science are treated by the Bulletin of Marine Science, including papers in marine biology, biological oceanography, fisheries, marine affairs, applied marine physics, marine geology and geophysics, marine and atmospheric chemistry, and meteorology and physical oceanography.